The property at 112 Mill St., Fenton, could be acquired and demolished by the city.Griffin Moores | MLive.com

FENTON, MI -- A Mill Street building once used to house battered women is a step closer to the wrecking ball.

The Genesee County Board of Commissioners tentatively agreed Wednesday, Jan. 23, to allow the city of Fenton to change its plan for spending more than $62,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds, allowing the city to acquire the property for demolition.

In December, commissioners agreed to lift deed restrictions that were tied to the property owned by the Fenton Area Resources and Referral Network.

The property was deeded to FARR by the county in 2001 with the stipulation that it be used for the group's purpose of helping the less fortunate.

"The mission of FAAR has not changed but the 112 Mill St. property is no longer needed ... and not in a habitable state," according to information supplied to commissioners. "The sale of this property to the city of Fenton would increase the income to FARR (and) the city would demolish the building."

Fenton City Councilwoman Patricia Lockwood said the vacant structure has been used as a shelter for battered women and as a home for displaced families but said the condition today merits demolition.

The property is identified in the city's Downtown Development Authority master plan for redevelopment.